This 18-story hotel anchors a 23-acre property just inland from the Gulf of Mexico behind a 200-acre mangrove estuary called Clam Pass Park. 
Among its amenities are a Zen-Inspired Golden Door spa, a free-form swimming pool with a waterslide and waterfall, a pool-front fitness center, a stylish 15-court tennis complex set amid rental villas, golf privileges, a kids club, and several restaurants, among the last its signature Strip House steakhouse. Beachgoers follow a .6-mile boardwalk that winds through the mangroves and across a canoe trail to a public beach and the resort's watersports center. There is a free golf-cart shuttle for those who prefer not to walk.
The tennis is now under the direction of Peter Burwash International's Mike Manzella. Originally from Buffalo, NY, he played his junior tennis there, some college tennis in Pennsylvania, and then became certified by the USPTR and joined PBI after college. His postings have taken him to upstate New York, London, the Caribbean, and Florida before accepting the directorship at the Waldorf Astoria Naples. His predecessor, Fabio Vasconcellos (who returns to his native Brazil) had elevated the program to national status and Manzella intends to build on what Vasconcellos had done. "It's already an active program," he told me, referring to their guaranteed game matching, daily clinics (for both adults and juniors), and such services as cold, scented towels after each match. He does have enhancements on his agenda, however. "I've always really enjoyed working with kids and juniors, so I'm in the process of redoing the junior program, and that will relaunch in January," he continued. As the program evolves, I'll post specifics about it here.
Pro Shop: 239-594-6033
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The resort has 474 rooms, suites, and bungalows. Check their website for the latest rates.
Seasons. Year-round.
Travel Instructions. By Air: The nearest airport is Southwest Florida International Airport in Ft. Myers, 35 miles to the north.
General Tourist Information. For information about this region, visit the Tourism Alliance of Collier County website.
